Colorado Travel Guide

Prepare to give yourself over to nature when you travel to Colorado, home of the Rocky Mountains’ highest peaks. From the youthful and cosmopolitan feel of downtown Denver to the natural splendor of the Rockies and its surrounding ski resorts to the sparsely populated prairie lands with their picturesque buttes and canyons, a visit to Colorado offers an opportunity to marvel at a diverse natural landscape, without sacrificing urban comforts entirely. Since recreational marijuana use was legalized in Colorado, the Centennial State has drawn a new, distinctly more mellow type of traveler – especially to Denver, bringing a whole new meaning to the “Mile-High City.” But don’t worry – you’ll find plenty to enjoy in Colorado without any extra herbal encouragement. Our Colorado travel guide will point you to the can’t-miss sights and activities the Centennial State has to offer.

Things Not to Miss in Colorado

• Hitting the slopes in total luxury at an Aspen ski resort, or at Vail Mountain
• Taking in a concert at the scenic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, set between 400-foot-high red sandstone rocks
• Taking a tour (and swigging a beer) at the New Belgium Brewery
• Hopping on a vintage steam locomotive at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
• Getting pampered in the mineral-rich San Juan River pools at the Springs Resort & Spa
• Climbing Pikes Peak, or hiking the Royal Arch Trail

When to Go to Colorado

Winter is often the season of choice for making Colorado travel plans; during ski season, prices will be at a premium, but skiers and snowboarders will enjoy fresh power during the day and a thriving nightlife scene to enjoy off the slopes. Winter in Colorado means cold weather, so bundle up accordingly and prepare for the occasional snowstorm. However, Colorado is still a great travel destination during seasons, and tourists who visit Colorado outside of ski season will be rewarded with lower hotel and flight rates; summers in Colorado are warm and dry, while the weather is cooler in the fall, and you can watch the leaves change.

DON'T MISS

Skiing Vail’s Back Bowls. Seven bowls, more than 3,000 acres: Carving fresh tracks through the seemingly endless groomed trails and powdery mogul runs is one of Colorado skiing’s greatest pleasures.

Dining in Denver. Sure, Denver always has had great steak, but now there’s a true culinary scene, from the foie-gras-and-foam menu of Restaurant Kevin Taylor to the flown-in-daily seafood of Sushi Den and the Mediterranean-inspired dishes of Rioja.

Playing in the sand. The giant sandbox known as Great Sand Dunes National Park inspires childlike wonder for all ages. Hike up, board down, or just wander through the ever-shifting mountains of sand.